Bickering Leaves Brooks Wondering

Alex Marvez NFL SUNDAY

October 10, 2004|Alex Marvez NFL SUNDAY

Talk about turbulence.

The frustration level was so high following last Sunday's 34-20 loss to Arizona that New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks and defensive end Charles Grant got into a heated argument on the team's charter flight home, then continued bickering in an airport parking lot until separated by teammates.

Brooks and Grant both apologized to the team for the altercation, which reportedly stemmed from personal problems between the two dating back to the preseason. But the fact Brooks openly questioned whether he wanted to remain with the Saints for the long term after the Cardinals loss indicates all isn't well with the Saints.

"I know I'm the leader of all this, but I'm tired of it," said Brooks, who also referred to "a lot of fake love, fake camaraderie" in the Saints' locker room. "I've just got to re-evaluate my situation here in New Orleans. Until that change comes, I've got to keep fighting."

"The same things happen in a family," Saints center LeCharles Bentley said. "You fight with your brothers and sisters and the next week you have Thanksgiving together. That's how it goes."